So basically, pistols have been in a bad way since the beginning of time [Guild Wars 2 time that is], and us thieves have been asking anet repeatedly to fix this weaponset so that it becomes useable in SPVP, WvW and even PvE hopefully, although i only care about WvW and SPVP. I think that Pistols should be made into a condition only set for both P/D and P/P. This will mean anet can focus on skills that work well together and don’t try to overlap with doing both condition and damage. That means rework the auto attack and rework unload first.
What I would like to see for P/D and P/P is the ability to stack multiple conditions, rather than be stuck trying to stack bleeds and doing a poor job of that.
Firstly, sneak attack+ vital shot:
This skill is fine as it is, stacks some nice bleeds and does the job.
Vital shot needs a large buff. It needs to have a damage increase and fire twice as fast as it does now at least. This skill needs to properly stack bleeds or, it needs to be made into a fast acting chain that stacks multiple conditions. THis is the auto attack and should be the bread and butter for the build. Make it so that it is able to do its job and get those conditions down fast.
Second: Body shot
The immobilize on body shot was a nice addition and I have found it to be useful however its a little short. 1.5 seconds base seems a little better. Also anet, remove the vulnerability because it is useless and replace it with something worthwhile. I myself would love to see burning added to the thieves kitten nal. Currently, we are the only profession that can not burn in any way, save the use of terrible runes. I also remember one in one of the earlier interviews that arena net wanted to give thieves access to burning and I remember them saying they wanted to create something like “burning shot,” which sounds very much like pistols to me. I also remember them relating that to skill 2. So why not remove the terrible vulnerability that no one likes, and make body shot burn and immobilize.
Third: Shadow Strike
Shadow strike for P/D is good as it is I feel although any suggestions would be welcome that would help improve it.
Fourth:
Unload for P/P is the Problem. I am not going to go over this again as you can read the problems in multiple threads but basically, it fights with auto attack as the main source of damage and uses initiative in the process. Just rework this skill to lay some conditions/ remake a P/P dual skill that could fit with the condition only. P/P currently has know way to access stealth. Why not make the P/P duel skill
“rapidly fire 2 shots at your opponent, the first applies torment and the second stealth’s you.” this is probably too good but something like this would not go astray. P/P needs a way to enter stealth.
Fith: Dancing DaggerFor P/D
Dancing dagger is useless. Body shot does a much better job in most cases, does not become obstructed like Dancing dagger and is not a waste of initiative like dancing dagger. This skill also overlaps with S/D and infiltrators strike. It even overlaps with D/D and heartseeker. Just get rid of this terrible skill and replace it with a useful skill for offhand dagger that will help D/D, S/D and P/D.
Sixth: HeadshotFor P/P
Headshot is fine, but I think it could do with stacking 1-2 confusion.
P/D – cloak and dagger, absolutely amazing skill, no problems with this skill do not touch it.
P/P – black powder also fine
Any suggestions would be welcome